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Hamilton County approves move of Recovery Court; commissioners say transportation will be budgeted
Summary
The commission approved Resolution 425-17 to relocate the Hamilton County Recovery Court to the East Annex Building at 8395 Hickory Valley Road and discussed transportation for program participants; county staff said transportation resources will be included in the budget.
The Hamilton County Commission on Wednesday approved Resolution 425-17 to relocate the county's Recovery Court from the MLK Building on Oak Street to the East Annex Building at 8395 Hickory Valley Road. Chairman Ebersole called for the roll call after a motion by Commissioner Hilton and a second from Commissioner Smith.
Why it matters: Recovery Court participants often face transportation barriers that can affect attendance and outcomes. Commissioners pressed county staff on whether the move would include reliable transportation for participants who rely on county-provided services.
Commissioner Sharp raised concerns about participants' ability to get to the new site, saying in part, “The one concern ... was transportation for participants, many of which ... are at rock bottom in their lives. With this location being over a mile from the nearest bus stop, there's a lot of concern for individuals participating in this program and their ability to consistently get to the programming on time.”
When asked directly if the budget would include a vehicle and personnel to drive it, a county staff member identified in the meeting as Mr. Roddy responded, “Yes, commissioner. Yes. ... We are designing the multiple options that we can make available as we assess the transportation needs of the individuals that are in the program at that time after we have moved successfully.” He added later, “We will have transportation resources in the budget.”
The resolution was approved by roll call. The motion authorizes the county mayor to initiate the physical transition and move of Recovery Court operations to the East Annex Building.
Commissioners said the county will continue work on building improvements — carpet, paint and infrastructure — while finalizing a transportation plan. No changes to the program’s services or eligibility were made at the meeting; the action recorded was limited to authorizing the physical move and related administrative steps.
The commission moved next to other items on the agenda.
